GOP senators introduce bill to reimpose waived Nord Stream sanctions

Fourteen Republican senators on Thursday introduced a bill that would reimpose sanctions on entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream pipeline after the Biden administration announced it would waive them earlier this week.

The Protecting Our Well-being by Expanding Russian Sanctions Act would reinstate sanctions against the company behind the pipeline and CEO Matthias Warnig, while also extending them to cover “subcontractors of any entity which works on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.”

“At the risk of weakening America’s global standing, the Biden Administration is acquiescing to a misguided German strategy which will give Putin a grip on our allies in Europe,” lead sponsor Sen. Kevin CramerKevin John CramerOvernight Defense: Senate confirms Army secretary after snafu | Afghanistan withdrawal 'slightly' ahead of schedule Senate confirms Wormuth as first female Army secretary after delay Senate GOP doubts grand jury charges would weaken Trump MORE (R-N.D.) said in a statement. “The Putin Pipeline must be stopped, and I urge my colleagues to join this effort before the Administration makes the United States learn the hard way why energy security means national security.”

Co-sponsors of the measure include Sens. Mike BraunMichael BraunBraun-McConnell bill would protect Americans from IRS surveillance Biden walks fine line with probe into coronavirus origins Intel community: Competing COVID-19 origin theories not 'more likely than the other' MORE (R-Ind.), John CornynJohn CornynPentagon report clears use of drones made by top Chinese manufacturer McConnell signals concern over changes to qualified immunity in police reform Democrats set for filibuster brawl amid escalating tensions MORE (R-Texas), Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore CapitoOn The Money: Infrastructure negotiations enter make-or-break week | Biden lays out plan for racial wealth equity in Tulsa Infrastructure negotiations enter make-or-break week The Hill's 12:30 Report: Biden faces pressure amid infrastructure negotiations MORE (R-W.Va.), Bill CassidyBill CassidyBottom line Colorado Democrat: Fear of Trump, desire for power 'overriding' patriotism in some Republicans Barbara Comstock: If Trump disappeared there wouldn't be many Republicans in the search party MORE (R-La.), Joni ErnstJoni Kay Ernst9 Republicans not named Trump who could run in 2024 Schumer under pressure from Democrats, GOP on China bill GOP senators introduce resolution condemning antisemitic violence amid 'horrific' spike in attacks MORE (R-Iowa), Steve DainesSteven (Steve) David DainesSenate chaos: Johnson delays exit as votes pushed to Friday Senate panel deadlocks on energy tax credits bill GOP senators introduce bill to reimpose waived Nord Stream sanctions MORE (R-Mt.), Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyDemocratic feud erupts over scope of military sexual assault bill First Democrat announces Senate bid against Iowa's Grassley GOP senators introduce bill to reimpose waived Nord Stream sanctions MORE (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger MarshallRoger W. MarshallSenate passes resolution urging probe into COVID-19 origins Republicans seek vindication amid reemergence of Wuhan lab theory GOP senators introduce bill to reimpose waived Nord Stream sanctions MORE (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerSenate Republicans warn Biden against using reconciliation for infrastructure Schumer rolls the dice on major China bill GOP backing down from threat to block Schumer's China bill MORE (R-Miss.). Cramer’s introduction of the measure was first reported by The Washington Examiner.

The Biden administration was first reported to be waiving the sanctions earlier this week. The administration reportedly had concluded that there was no way to halt the construction of the pipeline, which is set to carry gas to Germany, without sanctioning German entities as well. In addition to Republican senators, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob MenendezRobert (Bob) MenendezSanders drops bid to block Biden's Israel arms sale Sanders push to block arms sale to Israel doomed in Senate Schumer tactics on China bill reveal broader trade strategy MORE (D-N.J.) also came out in opposition to the decision Wednesday.

“I urge the administration to rip off the Band-Aid, lift these waivers and move forward with the congressionally mandated sanctions,” Menendez said in a statement. “The administration has said that the pipeline is a bad idea and that it is a Russian malign influence project. I share that sentiment, but fail to see how today’s decision will advance U.S. efforts to counter Russian aggression in Europe.”